Glass Tile

Glass tile is most commonly used for kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, bathroom accent walls, pool surrounds, and decorative borders. Its highly reflective surface makes it exceptional for adding depth, brightness, and light to a space. Glass tile is non-porous and fully waterproof, making it an excellent choice for wet areas. It is generally not recommended for floor applications due to its slippery surface and susceptibility to cracking under heavy point loads.

Yes - glass tile requires a few specific considerations compared to standard ceramic or porcelain. Because glass is transparent or translucent, the thinset color beneath it will show through, so a white or color-matched thinset is essential. Glass is also less forgiving of subfloor movement, so the substrate must be very stable. Use a polymer-modified thinset specifically rated for glass tile, and back-butter each tile to ensure 95-100% coverage with no voids behind the tile.

Yes - glass tile is an excellent choice for shower walls and niches. It is completely non-porous so it does not absorb water or harbor mold, and its reflective surface adds a luxurious quality to enclosed shower spaces. Use an epoxy or unsanded grout for joints smaller than 1/8". Avoid glass tile on shower floors, as it can be very slippery when wet. Pair with a slip-rated porcelain or stone mosaic on the shower floor for a coordinated look.

Yes - glass mosaic tile is one of the most popular choices for pool surrounds, waterlines, and spa walls. Glass does not fade, stain, or absorb chemicals, and it holds its color and sheen for decades in pool environments. Use a pool-rated epoxy grout and a waterproof thinset specifically designed for submerged applications. Consult your pool installer regarding freeze-thaw ratings if the pool is in a cold climate.

Glass tile is best cut with a wet saw fitted with a diamond blade specifically designed for glass, or with a manual glass cutter for straight cuts on thinner mosaic tiles. Score-and-snap methods that work for ceramic will chip or shatter glass tile. Cut slowly with steady water flow to prevent the tile from overheating and cracking. For mesh-mounted glass mosaic sheets, individual tiles can be detached from the mesh and cut separately for edge pieces.